A global sustainability program run by Ford Motor Company, a major US automaker, has chosen to establish its first partnership in Hong Kong with HKUST to support the development of future leaders and innovators in conservation science and technology. 

 

The Ford-HKUST Conservation and Environmental Research Grants program will assist taught postgraduate students in the School of Engineering to develop their research capabilities through academic grants in the fields of environmental and conservation science, and conservation engineering. Up to 20 projects will be supported in 2013-14.

 

Speaking at the launch ceremony in June, Mr David Westerman, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, Ford Export & Growth Operations, said the program would seek to drive creativity, innovation and foster industry-shaping research. Ford will donate HK$500,000, which will be matched by HKUST to create a total fund of HK$1 million. 

 

The Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants program have been awarded globally for over 30 years covering more than 60 countries around the world.

 

We chose to partner with HKUST, a renowned university and a leader in innovative engineering education," Mr Westerman added. "The research grants support the University's engineering projects encompassing environmental sustainability with a focus on green motoring and transportation."

 

Prof Christopher Chao, Associate Dean of Engineering (Research & Graduate Studies), said: "We believe the grant program will not only broaden our students' learning experience but also further our endeavor to build innovative solutions to the global issues of environmental conservation and sustainability." More than 800 students are currently enrolled on the School's 10 Master of Science programs.